Back tattoos have been popular for a long time. And there are a couple of reasons why people adore back tattoos.
First, it has enough space for basically any design. Second, you can go small or big on the back, and the tattoo will still look stunning. A small ink on the shoulder blade, a full-back tattoo, or a spine tattoo, anything that compliments one’s body and style can be put on the back.
Last but not least, it’s perfect for those who want more flexibility in showing their tattoos. Want moderate exposure? A tattoo on the upper back plus a tank top will be perfect. If you’re going to hide it, consider the lower back instead.
So if you are getting ink on the back, this collection of back tattoos for women is for you. From small to big, color to black, minimalist to sophisticated, you will find the designs that represent you.
What is a back tattoo, and is it painful?
Back tattoos are tattoos you get on the back. But because the back is a large space, back tattoos may include the following sub-placements:
- Upper back tattoos
- Shoulder blade/Back of the shoulder tattoos
- Back of the neck tattoos
- Spine tattoos
- Lower back tattoos
- Full back tattoos
Because the skin is thicker with fewer nerves on the upper back, tattoos on this area usually cause less pain. Conversely, and on the contrary, spine tattoos or lower back tattoos can be more painful because the skin is thinner and more sensitive. So take into account your sensibility to pain while choosing the placement.
Disclaimer: This collection of back tattoos for women is for inspiration only. Please do not copy the artwork. If you love these tattoos, follow artists and show them some support.
Back tattoos for women with meaning
Dragon back tattoos
Dragons have different symbolisms across cultures. In the west, they are seen as evil and disastrous. However, they are a symbol of royalty and power in the east.
Despite the meaning, their naturally elongated body and the curvy silhouette fit vertically on the spine. That’s why dragon makes perfect back tattoos for women.
Blue dragon upper back tattoo
@tattooist_solar
This dragon outline tattoo has just enough details to stand out on the skin. The tattooist could have colored the dragon entirely black, but it would be too dark for girls. Drawing only the outline maintains a lightness and makes the blue pop out even more.
Full back dragon and eagle tattoo
@xsonseven
It takes courage to get a full-back tattoo, especially for women. But this tattoo is so detailed that it is worth the risk.
Read also: 44 Stunning dragon tattoos for women
Butterfly back tattoos for women
Butterfly tattoos are common for women. They represent rebirth, transformation, and the pursuit of freedom. If you want something feminine, the following tattoos may be for you.
Butterfly and gemstone back tattoo
@studio_jaw
A butterfly might not be the most unique idea for a tattoo. But matching it with a gemstone of the same color adds attractiveness. And because it’s a small nape tattoo, it is likely to be less painful, making it ideal as a first tattoo.
Black and grey simple butterfly back tattoo
@e.hyang_.tattoo
There’s beauty in symmetry. This butterfly back tattoo may look simple. But it’s so elegant because of the symmetrical design and the just-right amount of ornaments. Not too fancy, but not boring, either.
Butterfly spine tattoo
@grettel.inkaholik
Because butterflies are naturally small, they are not often put on spine tattoos. But the tattooist highlights the design with vertical straight lines and stretches the tattoo elegantly.
Pink floral moon and butterfly on the back of shoulder
@tilda_tattoo
Adding the moon and flowers to a tattoo makes it instantly more feminine. And this one is a good example. Tattooist Tilda is so good at creating stunning butterfly and flower tattoos. She always finds a way to make these common elements unique. Check out our interview with her to know more about her work.
Snake back tattoos for women
Today, calling someone a snake is saying that they are not trustworthy. But historically, snakes are considered a symbol of fertility and rebirth. They are even worshipped as sacred in Japan. So if you love snakes, don’t miss the following snake back tattoos for women.
Minimalist snake outline tattoo
@e.hyang_.tattoo
Stunning black snake back tattoo
@norangtattoo
Blue snake and blood moon
@e.hyang_.tattoo
Dreamcatcher back tattoos for women
Dreamcatchers are more than beautiful decorations. They hold significance to the Native Americans.
Dreamcatchers are usually seen as a protective amulet consisting of a round frame, a web, and beads. These dreamcatcher tattoos are for you if you resonate with the meaning or are attracted by the beauty.
Stunning rose and butterfly dreamcatcher
@peria_tattoo
This is not entirely a traditional dreamcatcher. Instead, the tattooist replaces the round frame with a crescent moon and roses, creating a dreamy piece of art.
Butterfly dreamcatcher on the back
@yeriel_tattoo
This is a stunning and creative dreamcatcher tattoo. The tattooist adds a butterfly in the middle to add femininity and elegance. And the reflection of the golden frame plus the gemstone highlights the tattoo as if it is glowing.
Koi fish back tattoos for women
Koi fish is a traditional symbol of wealth, strength, perseverance, and success in Asian countries. That’s why you may see people getting koi fish tattoos in big sizes, especially Japanese men. But the following koi fish tattoos are more delicate and suitable for women. Scroll on.
Black and red koi tattoo
@loe.tattoo
The double koi fish tattoo is not just aesthetically pleasing with the color contrast and perfect symmetry. It’s also a great back tattoo idea for Pisces as their zodiac symbol.
Oriental koi tattoo on the shoulder blade
@nika_s_tattoo
Koi fish is usually seen as an oriental symbol. Pairing it with the plum flower elevates its oriental charm.
Yin Yang koi spine tattoo for women
@pez.tattooer
At first glance, this might look like an ordinary koi back tattoo. But look closer, and you will find that the fish on the left is darker than the one on the left, creating a subtle Yin Yang symbol.
With the lotus flower on top, this tattoo reminds the wearer to always keep calm and balanced.
Botanical back tattoo
@ch.tattoo.ahn
Compared to flower tattoos, botanical tattoos like vines, leaves and branches might not capture the same attention. But they are subtle and meaningful.
They represent growth and life and are perfect for those who resonate with the symbolism. Also, you can stretch the branch and align it in the center to create a well-balanced spine tattoo.
Oriental bamboo and sparrows
@suryo.tattoo
Have you ever thought of putting an oriental painting on the back? This large back ink may give you some idea. In China, bamboo symbolizes longevity, perseverance, and strength. And the sparrows bring motions to the design and bring it to life.
Red spider lily back tattoo
@leean.ink
Most flower tattoos represent beauty, love, or purity. But red spider lilies are different. They are considered the symbol of death, reincarnation, and the afterlife.
Despite its symbolism, the flower gets wide popularity for its unique shape and blood-red color. Consider a red spider lily for those who want a feminine but untraditional flower back tattoo.
Rose back tattoo
@peria_tattoo
Red roses are a symbol of love and passion. They are beautiful and elegant, perfect for romantics. Either big or small, it’s hard to go wrong with rose tattoos.
Tree of life back tattoo
@ch.tattoo.ahn
This tree tattoo on the back is not only pretty but also meaningful. The four trees represent four seasons. It creates a life cycle and reminds us that time is always moving forward. And the best we can do is to live in the present and cherish what we have.
Tree spine tattoo
@iwona.tattoo
Trees represent life and growth. It takes time for a tree to grow. But it stands the test of time for decades to come.
People with tree tattoos like this one are those who value persistence, patience, and the power of time.
Elephant back tattoos for women
Elephants live in herds. They care for each other’s children and family. That’s why they are the symbol of family love and protection and often show up in family tattoos.
On top of that, they are also loyal, reliable, and peaceful. So if elephants are your spirit animal, don’t miss out on these elephant back tattoos.
Small momma and baby elephants
@ibittenink
Conceptional elephant back of shoulder tattoo
@ink.feb24
Bird tattoos on the back
Birds represent freedom and hope. In some cultures, birds are seen as messengers between the earth and heaven. The following bird tattoos on the back are for those who value liberty and resonate with the bird’s symbolism.
Symmetrical birds
@ssussu_tatt
Humming bird back tattoo
@yuna.tattoos
Elegant crane shoulder tattoo
@.yiching.
Cranes represent longevity and elegance. In Taoism, cranes are often seen as a symbol of divinity. They represent those not bound by materials and have high moral standards and self-discipline.
Cross back tattoos for women
As a Christian symbol, the cross usually represents one’s religion. And cross tattoos work for those who want to wear their beliefs on the sleeve.
And cross tattoos are versatile as well. They can be as simple as two straight lines crossing each other. Or you can add ornaments and patterns to adapt to your aesthetics. The following cross back tattoos for women do exactly that.
Tiny symbolic cross on the spine
@sukza__art
Rose and cross on the back of the neck
@arese_tattoo
Vintage cross back tattoo
@ink_de_oro
Girly floral cross tattoo on the lower back
@sisi.lovelove
Lotus spine tattoo
@sukza__art
The lotus flower represents calmness and zen in Buddhism and Hinduism. A lotus tattoo on the spine is a permanent reminder to remain unbothered in the face of chaos.
Cover-up landscape back tattoo
@tattooer_sogeum
Most landscape tattoos stretch horizontally. But this one is different. It captures a part of a mountain landscape to cover up a quote tattoo on the spine.
Though it’s pretty narrow, it contains all the elements generally in a natural landscape: the mountains, the moon, and the lake. And it creates a colorful and serene natural scenery.
Oriental pearl norigae spine tattoo
@seolheetattoo
A Norigae is a traditional accessory for Korean women. It’s part of the traditional Korean attire and reflects the wearer’s aesthetic. For those from Korea, such a feminine Norigae spine tattoo will remind them of their root. If you are from the east, check out these oriental tattoos!
Paper crane tattoo
@e.nal_.tattoo
Paper cranes are a classic in Japanese origami. It represents good luck and best wishes. And that’s why many give paper cranes as gifts. This paper crane back tattoo might be small, but it carries the wearer’s hope for the future.
Realism eye tattoo on the back
@6o9ang
The eye is the window of the soul. It is often the first thing we look at in a person. By duplicating the eye pupil, this tattoo creates a visual impact that is surefire to capture attention.
Blue abstract triangle back tattoo
@rizn__tattoo
Blue moon back tattoo
@eunyutattoo
If you want to get an ordinary object tattooed, there are ways to make it unique. Color is one of them.
By painting the moon in blue and purple, tattooist Eunyu turns the ordinary into special. Check out our interview with Eunyu to see how she does that.
Cosmic whale tattoo on the back of shoulder
@tattooist_sigak
Feminine abstract line art tattoo
@tata.jouaux.art
A tattoo doesn’t need to be full of colors or intricate to be beautiful. And this back-of-the-shoulder tattoo is a good example. The tattooist combines real and unreal with a half-transparent moon and simple line art, creating a memorable piece.
Floral ornament back tattoo
@youngchickentattoo
Leo zodiac sign tattoo
@kissa.tattoo
Many people are proud of their zodiac sign. And if you are one of them, the nape is a good place to showcase your pride, just like this Leo tattoo.
Lion back tattoo
@tattoo.xi_.zhen_
Lower back ornament tattoo
@e.hyang_.tattoo
Rabbit back tattoo
@tattooer_jina
Ribbon tattoo on the back of shoulder
@choiyun_tattoo
Small black burning heart
@o.ri_tattoo
This heart tattoo might be small, but it’s definitely a conversation piece. By painting the heart black, the tattooist adds a mysterious and dangerous feeling to it.
Such a unique back tattoo may belong to someone who loves wholeheartedly. But at the same time, this badass tattoo also signifies that she is someone you don’t want to mess with.
Small ornament back tattoo
@e.hyang_.tattoo
Simple small ornament tattoo
@sera.sacli
The Creation of Adam
@choiyun_tattoo
Toy Story back tattoo
@abii_tattoo
It’s not uncommon to get cartoon character tattoos, especially when the characters remind you of a childhood memory or a good quality. And the back has enough space for a stunning, detailed piece like this one.
Bold and stunning upper back tattoo
The upper back includes the back of the neck, or the nape, shoulder blades, and the area in between. It has such a large, flat space for artists to be creative. The following upper back tattoos really push the envelop in creativity.
Circus girl spine tattoo
@tata.jouaux.art
This back tattoo for women reminds me of Cirque du Soleil. The girl is hanging on a rope as she falls from the sky. And the rope that extends all the way up the neck is a beautiful final touch.
Abstract pattern upper back tattoo
@finite.not_.infinite
Not many people dare to get full-back tattoos. It’s a big statement and commitment. The following full-back tattoos live up to the expectation.
Reverse castle tattoo
@hexapode_tattoo
Upper back flower tattoo
@hexapode_tattoo
Upper back ornamental tattoo
@k_inx
Full back tattoos for women
Not many people dare to get full-back tattoos. It’s a big statement and commitment. The following full-back tattoos live up to the expectation.
Stunning full back pattern
@mandalareflexions
Koi and crane abstract full back tattoo
@zik_tats
Koi and crane abstract full back tattoo
@vane.tattoo_
Full-back tattoos are not so common, not just because of the commitment it requires for the wearer. It’s also a demanding task for the tattooist. In our interview with tattooist Vanessa, she talked about her fear of doing big pieces. It took her a long time to finish this full-back flower tattoo. It was exhausting but at the same time rewarding. And it became one of her most liked tattoos.
Black and grey flower tattoo
